Men jailed for 'despicable' sexual assault and mugging of woman with learning difficulties in Birmingham

The convicted men will be placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years

Yasser Mahmood, left, was jailed for two years and three months, and Abdi Seerar was given an eight month sentence (West Midlands Police)

Two men have been jailed for the "despicable" sexual assault and mugging of a woman with learning difficulties in Birmingham last year.

Yasser Mahmood, 23, and Abdi Seerar, 27, attacked the vulnerable 20-year-old woman as she left a nightclub on Hurst Street in Birmingham city centre on 27 January last year.

Birmingham Crown Court heard that the pair sexually assaulted the woman, who cannot be named, and rifled through her handbag before making off with her purse.

Mahmood was caught in the act by the woman's mother, who reported him to police.

Mahmood, of Deford Drive in Smethwick was handed a prison sentence of 2 years and three months, while Seerar, who has no fixed address, was given an eight month sentence.

The pair will also be required to sign the sex offenders register for the next 10 years.

Detective Constable John Marsh, from West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit, said: "The woman who was assaulted has shown great strength throughout the investigation which has ultimately led to the pair being jailed for this despicable crime."

"Mahmood and Seerar preyed upon the vulnerable woman as she left a club after a night out and then carried out the attacks and stole her purse, leaving her isolated."

Detective Constable Marsh said the pair's case was evidence that the police will take these kinds of reports seriously.

He urged anyone who has been in similar circumstances to have confidence in coming forward and reporting it to police.

Victims can report crimes to their local police force by calling 101, or remain anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.